Alcohol Treatmenthttp://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog
Wed, 30 Nov 2016 20:28:48 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.15 Things You Can Do To Overcome Your Alcohol Problem Without the Label “Addict”http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/5-things-can-overcome-your-alcohol-problem/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/5-things-can-overcome-your-alcohol-problem/#respondFri, 21 Feb 2014 21:45:17 +0000http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=1061How does alcohol affect your life? Your health? Your relationships? Do you have regrets based on choices, behavior and actions that you have taken when under the influence?

The disease theory of addiction, in this case alcoholism, might lead us to believe that people have little or no control over their drinking, because substance use (alcohol or drugs) is a brain disease. The concept of substance use being a disease alas is not new. Some of the earliest attempts to define alcohol use as a disease date back to the 19 century (Schaller, 2009, p.49) and what grew from them was a culture focused on defining alcohol and/or substance users in a way that will give “rational” explanation of the choices they make before, during and after drinking, as these choices are more often than not deemed socially unacceptable.

What do we know about “addicts”, as described by the disease model? It turns out the disease model knows a lot more about a person’s drinking or drug use than that person him/herself. For example, according to the disease model, if a person has a drinking problem, he or she is diseased, but most often in denial of that fact. If a person who drinks excessively is refusing to accept and recognize their substance use as an addiction, the disease model teaches us that this person is in denial.

The disease model is also working hard to convince society and the substance user that a person under the influence has no control over their choices, actions and behavior whatsoever. Not only that, but we are forced to believe that the only way to overcome an “addiction” is through treatment, because after all, this is what we do with people who are diseased- we treat them.

However, in order to be treated, a person first must recognize that they are “sick” with this incurable disease for the rest of their lives and they can do absolutely and positively nothing, to change that “fact”. In fact, these people are so “sick” that they will need treatment and support for the rest of their lives, and be considered constantly at risk of returning to their old habits.

But that is not all; the disease model goes way above that, stating that people are genetically prone to becoming “addicts”. In other words if a parent is “diseased” (i.e. alcoholic), the chances of his/her children being “diseased” are that much greater. The disease model doesn’t deem this to be a learned behavior in generational alcoholism, no. After all, these people are “sick” with incurable and hereditary disease, don’t forget.

Reading through the description of the disease model, is it difficult then to see that the stream of thought that is introduced by it, and more often forced upon the substance user and society in general, leads in a manner of speaking to a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Just imagine the gradation:

People are told they are sick. ( Bad)

Then they are told the disease is incurable. ( Worse)

Finally they are assured they cannot do anything to change the fact they are an “addict” (Worst)

But of course, substance users are assured none of this is their fault for the above mentioned reasons, and that is the only “positive” side of the disease model. It clears the substance user of all responsibility.

And here is where the line has to be drawn. If a substance user believes he or she holds no responsibility over their choices, actions and behavior, they will not do a single thing to change them. They will simply continue the learned pattern and “slip up” from time to time, because this is normal, acceptable and even expected, when you have the incurable disease “addiction”. In a way, when a person settles down in the comfortable chair of “addiction”, certain behaviors and choices are expected of them, in order to keep up with the disease charade, like relapsing for example.

The truth of the matter is that “there is much empirical support for the claim that addiction emerges as a function of the rules of everyday choice.”( Heyman, 2013) In other words, things are not as black and white as the disease model might want us to think. There are alternatives to the traditional alcohol treatment philosophy and the alcohol user can absolutely take action to overcome their alcohol problem that do not involve treatment and relinquishing their free will and choice.

Evaluate

How does alcohol affect your life? Your health? Your relationships? Do you have regrets based on choices, behavior and actions that you have taken when under the influence? If you are having trouble being honest with yourself, maybe it is not a bad idea to hear how the people around you are evaluating your drinking. Try to understand their reasoning, but do not force it upon yourself. Nobody knows better than you what the situation is, so give it your best try to be honest with yourself and with others about it.

Create a plan of action

Once you complete your evaluation, if you determined that you have an alcohol problem, it is time take responsibility for your choices, behavior and actions. Again, be honest. Own up to your situation and create a plan of action how you are going to improve it. Be realistic, but do not restrict your goals based on your past behavior, allow yourself to dream. This is the best way to change your self-image and improve your chances of success to stick to the plan.

Accept reinforcements

This is not mandatory, but you might find yourself in a situation where it is difficult to change your choices alone. There is nothing wrong in seeking help to fulfill your goals. Would that be your family, friends, educational program or else, it is entirely up to you. Whatever feels right for you and aligns with your views and philosophy is the right choice.

Stick to the plan

Change is never easy; however, it is entirely possible. If you want it strong enough and you truly believe that is the right choice for you, you can accomplish the goals you set in your plan. You just have to follow through, not because of anything or anyone else, but because you know it is your responsibility and your choice.

Move on

Sometimes when people deal with alcohol problem and they are taking action to change their situation, it is easy to go down the road of blame and shame. That is why it is important to learn how to move on. Take responsibility for your actions, behavior and choices, but once you do, let go. That is the first thing to do so you can begin rebuilding your life and make healthier choices- to realize that you can’t change the past, but you can for sure change the future.

In conclusion, there are many things a person can do to overcome your alcohol problem and the listed above are just a general overview. The most important thing that you have to do if you consider yourself having an alcohol use problem, is to make the choice to change your situation. Once you make the rational decision to make better choices, everything else will fall into place. Because after all, “addiction” is nothing but a choice, and it’s never too late to make the right one.

]]>http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/5-things-can-overcome-your-alcohol-problem/feed/0How Can I Prevent a Relapse?http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/how-can-i-prevent-a-relapse/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/how-can-i-prevent-a-relapse/#respondFri, 28 Jun 2013 19:53:06 +0000http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=463Relapse among substance users occurs more often than you might think with as much as ninety percent of individuals relapsing at least one time and as many as seventy two percent of relapse more than once. Tragically, the thought of

]]>Relapse among substance users occurs more often than you might think with as much as ninety percent of individuals relapsing at least one time and as many as seventy two percent of relapse more than once. Tragically, the thought of relapse created by drug and alcohol treatment centers, is one of the main reasons why many people relapse in the first place. If you are preparing to enter a program, or if you have just returned from a program and want to know how you can prevent a relapse; here is some information that might help you.

Try To Break The Relapse Talk You May Have Learned In Treatment

There are many reasons why people relapse while they are trying to maintain a sober life. One of the reasons is that they did not receive an adequate amount of care while they were in a rehabilitation treatment program, which can happen for a number of reasons. Treatment can reiterate the thought of being diseased and hopeless. They do this by teaching that relapse is a normal and expected part of recovery.

The idea of relapse can be damaging because the substance user will feel like they can use drugs or drink and it’s expected of them. If someone has told them over and over again they are sick and have an incurable disease, why would they need a reason to change their life. There are alternative programs such as the Saint Jude Retreats that does not teach that addiction is a disease and we know that relapse is not a part of recovery.

Make New Goals

Once you return from a program, you have probably already began to make changes in your life. This is important because if you do not make any changes from your old life, then it is likely that you will return to your old habits. In order for you to be successful in a new life, you need to get a new life and gain a new perspective! Create goals for yourself that you want to achieve. If you begin thinking about drug or alcohol use, think about how that might stop you from reaching your goals. Ask yourself if drug use is worth it? For many individuals some goals may include, going back to school, finding a new group of friends to hang out with or new hobbies or activities that bring you happiness.

Make Up Your Mind

Avoiding a relapse will depend largely on whether or not you have made up your mind to stop your habitual drug and/or alcohol use. Many individuals believe that they want to quit their substance use; however as soon as things fall apart, they return to alcohol and drugs for the answer.

Making up your mind to stop your substance use may also require that you develop new habits and behaviors as well as learn to make different choices that will support your decision to turn away from alcohol and drug use.

St. Jude Retreats offers a six week, cognitive behavioral education program that uses self change and self awareness to teach guests to make choices that are more productive and to develop habits and behaviors that are positive and more purposeful to their life. Our guests are empowered and discover that they can have a live that is permanently free from substance use.

]]>http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/how-can-i-prevent-a-relapse/feed/0Issues to consider in alcohol treatmenthttp://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/issues-to-consider-in-alcohol-treatment/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/issues-to-consider-in-alcohol-treatment/#respondWed, 19 Jun 2013 02:36:01 +0000http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=428Entering an alcohol detox program is the safest way to overcome your alcohol dependency. Your program may be multifaceted, meaning that you may need detox and then seek an alcohol program such as rehab treatment or an alternative program. Making

]]>Entering an alcohol detox program is the safest way to overcome your alcohol dependency. Your program may be multifaceted, meaning that you may need detox and then seek an alcohol program such as rehab treatment or an alternative program. Making the decision to seek assistance is not a temporary fix to your problem, it can be a stepping stone to a new life that is free from alcohol use problems.

Depending on how much alcohol you have used; how long you have been using and the frequency of your use, you may need to enter alcohol detox before you go to a rehab program or alternative program. Detox is the process of your body ridding itself of the chemical toxins that have built up from your alcohol use.

An alcohol rehab treatment program or an alternative program can be either a residential program or an outpatient program. Many believe that residential programs are more effective because they give the individual a place to get away from the stresses of the world while they rest and focus on how to build a life that does not include alcohol use. Further, programs that are most successful are those that build confidence, inspire hope and help the individual plan for their future.

Issues to consider in alcohol treatment are the type of program: outpatient or inpatient, but also the philosophy of the program should be carefully considered. If the program promotes that you have a disease that cannot be cured and that say you must remain abstinent but relapse is expected, you might want to rethink the program. You want to find a program that will give you concrete solutions and encouragement in your new life, not a program that will break you down with labels and harsh judgments and force you sit in group meetings and therapy day in and day out.

There are outpatient alcohol treatment programs available that provide group therapy as well as counseling sessions. They also require that you attend 12 step meetings daily. The benefit to outpatient programs is that it some cases they allow the individual to continue their daily routines while they are getting treatment.

However, there are some drawbacks. Talk therapy has not been shown to be effective at helping substance users to overcome their problems, and the 12 step group AA estimates their success rate to be 5% at the end of one year.

St. Jude Retreats is not a 12 steps program and they do not offer drug replacement therapy. They are a non-treatment program that uses cognitive behavioral education to help their guests make positive and productive changes in their habits and behaviors. The St. Jude program builds confidence and as a result guests are empowered to build the life they have always wanted.

]]>http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/issues-to-consider-in-alcohol-treatment/feed/0Are Alcoholics Replacing One Problem With Another During AA?http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/are-alcoholics-replacing-one-problem-with-another-during-aa/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/are-alcoholics-replacing-one-problem-with-another-during-aa/#respondWed, 14 Nov 2012 07:37:25 +0000http://soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=128Many alcoholism experts as well as many former members of Alcoholic Anonymous express concern that the organization is either a cult or cult-like, that it indoctrinates members, and that it uses very strong social and psychological pressures to force compliance from vulnerable people.

]]>Many alcoholism experts as well as many former members of Alcoholic Anonymous express concern that the organization is either a cult or cult-like, that it indoctrinates members, and that it uses very strong social and psychological pressures to force compliance from vulnerable people. Many call it authoritarian and some call it fascistic. Many also wonder if so-called alcoholics who go to AA are replacing one problem with another, as A.A. has no true success rate and rather hinders a user’s chance of sobriety from alcohol.

A.A.’s belief is that people with a drinking problem must first publicly admit that they are an alcoholic. It also teaches them that they will always be alcoholic; that they are powerless; that they must summit to a Higher Power; that if they don’t abstain from alcohol they will die as a result; that if they have even a single drink, they will lose control over their consumption; and that they will need to attend A.A. for the rest of their lives.

Critics point out that members are discouraged from thinking for themselves; from questioning A.A. beliefs; from asking difficult questions; from socializing with non-alcoholics; and from moving beyond the group. Many say that A.A. simply replaces one dependency with another.

Unfortunately, A.A. has a one year success rate of only about five percent and most alcohol rehabs use A.A. as part of their programs. In fact, most are based on A.A.’s 13 steps. That may be why such facilities are so ineffective and people repeatedly return to them in hope of success.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to A.A.’s control-oriented ideology and methods. The Cognitive Behavioral Education program at St. Jude Retreats is based on the Freedom Model of human behavior. St. Jude’s methods are different from A.A. and alcohol rehabs as day is from night.

The St Jude Retreat Program teaches that alcoholics are not powerless, that they needn’t submit to a Higher Power, that they don’t lose control after consuming one drink, that they needn’t attend group meetings for the rest of their lives, that they needn’t accept any ideology, that they can think as they wish, and that they are free to make their own personal choices.

Although A.A.’s success rate is only about five percent (that is, only one out of 20 members is successful in abstaining for one year), St. Jude’s long-term success rate is 62%. Important is the fact that St. Jude’s is the only program in the United States that has its success rate researched and calculated by an outside, independent professional research firm. There are no labels at St Jude’s and you won’t be considered an alcoholic. If A.A. has failed you, we suggest calling our program today to discover the new life you have been waiting for!

]]>http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/are-alcoholics-replacing-one-problem-with-another-during-aa/feed/0Alcohol and drug rehab success rates, what does it mean to you?http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/alcohol-and-drug-rehab-success-rates-what-does-it-mean-to-you/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/alcohol-and-drug-rehab-success-rates-what-does-it-mean-to-you/#commentsThu, 06 Sep 2012 07:46:56 +0000http://soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=137What does “success rate” mean? That’s a very important question. In fact, it’s the essential question to be answered by any alcohol or drug rehab program. The internet is full of rehab facilities describing themselves as having such things as “one

But this is all completely irrelevant if they aren’t successful. Success is all that matters.

Very rarely, a rehab will report some success rate or range of success rates. But what exactly do the statistics mean? That’s a good question.

There are many ways to measure success. For example, some may define success as moderating alcohol or drug use, whereas others may measure it only in terms of maintaining complete abstinence. Some may measure it for a very short period of time following release whereas may define it for as long as the facility has been in existence.

To make matters worse, the programs decide how and what to measure and then proceed to do the actual measuring themselves. This is like asking students to award themselves their own grades!

This means that potential clients are faced with “comparing apples to oranges” without even being able to see the fruit in question. This forces them to fall back on looking at beautiful pictures and reading glowing descriptions that the programs write about themselves.

That’s no way to select a program.

Only one program commissions outside research firms to evaluate the success of its clients for the entire period of time the program has been in existence. In addition, potential clients can read the evaluation reports online at their leisure. Learn more at Success Rates.

]]>http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/alcohol-and-drug-rehab-success-rates-what-does-it-mean-to-you/feed/4Are there really underlying causes for addiction?http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/are-there-really-underlying-causes-for-addiction/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/are-there-really-underlying-causes-for-addiction/#commentsFri, 31 Aug 2012 07:50:03 +0000http://soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=139While there are no actual underlying causes for substance use, individuals with a drug or problem may have reasons to justify their use. When someone claims there are “causes” it makes it sound as if that person has no control

]]>While there are no actual underlying causes for substance use, individuals with a drug or problem may have reasons to justify their use. When someone claims there are “causes” it makes it sound as if that person has no control and that just is not the case. Substance users always have control, no one forces the alcohol or drugs into their bodies, those are choices those individuals decide to make.

Many people who feel they have an alcohol “addiction” blame it on their current situation, whether it involves relationships, a job, financial stress or just life in general. But these factors really do not contribute or cause substance use. All people experience stressful situations and go through hard times. If they are taught that drinking or drugging are good ways to deal with the natural struggles and challenges of life, then that is what they will use to cope. It is simple really; it is all based on a person’s own beliefs. If they believe drugs and alcohol are good coping tools they will use them as such. If they do not, they won’t use them.

The fundamental reason why people in our society use substances is because they like to use them and gain some form of happiness or pleasure from it. Now, someone might also use substances as a learned coping mechanism if they believe it will help them during difficult times, but nonetheless, doesn’t it come right down to liking the feeling of being drunk and/or high? Just because a person has stress and/or trauma in their life does not mean they must get drunk and high.

All people experience stress and trauma, and the majority do not drink or drug at all. So getting drunk or high when things are difficult does not have to be the way these issues are handled. That choice is up to that person, and they can change that pattern and the course of their life. That is where St. Jude’s will help you.

The most important thing a person struggling with substance use problems can do is separate substance use from life issues, so that each can be addressed with their own specific solutions. By breaking the connection between substance use habits and other life issues, a person dealing with these problems is able to solve each with amazing efficiency. Substance use problems can be a thing of the past, and changing your belief system about substance use can be the key to making it a reality.

]]>http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/are-there-really-underlying-causes-for-addiction/feed/14Things You Should Know About Food “Addictions”, Alcohol & Choiceshttp://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/things-you-should-know-about-food-addictions-alcohol-choices/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/things-you-should-know-about-food-addictions-alcohol-choices/#respondThu, 16 Aug 2012 07:15:18 +0000http://soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=112Many people are unfamiliar with the choice based option or even what Saint Jude Retreats does. I’ve tried to explain it to my own mother several times and the best way I can explain it to her is by comparing

]]>Many people are unfamiliar with the choice based option or even what Saint Jude Retreats does. I’ve tried to explain it to my own mother several times and the best way I can explain it to her is by comparing it to chocolate cake. All jokes aside, the two: alcohol and cake although completely different are comparable when it comes down to three things: choices, temptations and consequences.

I said to my mom, who has never really drank and is completely oblivious to the alcohol treatment industry, “AA is comparable to someone telling you that you can never eat chocolate cake again, for the rest of your life.” I continued, “Now think about it. You love chocolate cake, you love the taste, and you could probably live without ever eating it again, but it makes it way more tempting to eat, because you are told you CAN’T have it.” Any dieter knows that telling someone they can’t have something makes them want it more. What you can’t have becomes the focus of your thoughts rather than being a relaxed person who can choose to pass on the cake or enjoy a small sliver.

I went on to say, “Now our program teaches people that they have the choice to eat cake or not to eat cake, but if you eat cake you might gain a few pounds, especially if you eat it frequently or in large quantities. However, eating cake in moderation, can be enjoyable while not sabotaging a diet. Ultimately each person must make the choice to eat it or not to eat it and be responsible for that choice.”

I continued to explain to her how other treatment centers view addiction as a disease. “When people drink heavily and/or frequently they are told they have a brain disease resulting in a supposed powerless over alcohol, but those who eat large amounts of cake are not said to be suffering from a disease that makes them powerless over cake. Any nutritionist or medical expert would tell you that’s just a poor excuse and that there are better activities you can substitute for eating cake, such as reading a book or calling a friend. They won’t sympathize with you either; they will say you’re overweight because you made yourself that way, through your choices regarding food.”

At this point I had not allowed her to get a word in but I wanted to make my point clear, “Our program is different because it develops and reinforces each person’s individual power of choice with respect to all behaviors. People can choose to eat a small piece of cake, and stop or just pass on the cake completely or they can choose to continue eating cake in large quantities. Each choice and behavior brings with it specific consequences. We help them realize that they are responsible for their own actions.”

She responded to me, “Oh! I get that!” I had to break it down to the most simplest comparison, but she finally got it. I wanted her to understand the difference we make in people’s lives. I wanted her to realize people make these choices to not indulge in temptations (such as cake) every day. Even though it’s a challenge, temptations can be overcome, and it’s possible to change your way of thinking completely. People who demonstrate this dedication, opt for a side salad instead of fries, a jog instead of TV, studying for a test over going out with friends; people make these CHOICES because they know it will improve their life in some way, shape or form.

Just like some cake lovers, there are heavy drinkers who at some point might wake up one day and feel ready to make a big change. If you are one of those people and are ready to make that important change in your own life, Saint Jude’s is here to guide you in the empowering process of self-directed change. It’s about moving towards your goals and dreams, not being given limitations and labels; and motivating yourself to build a better life, rather than running from a dreadful past. To effectively change your life you must start by making different choices, and moving in a positive direction, and change can only come from you.

]]>http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/things-you-should-know-about-food-addictions-alcohol-choices/feed/0Why is Self-Image Important to Self-Change?http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/why-is-self-image-important-to-self-change/
http://www.soberforever.net/addictionblog/index.php/why-is-self-image-important-to-self-change/#respondThu, 23 Jun 2011 06:12:22 +0000http://soberforever.net/addictionblog/?p=60Drug and Alcohol rehabs are designed to enslave you in perpetual treatment. Even the common mantra stated at every 12 step meeting worldwide – “Keep coming back!” is enough to give you cold shivers. Drug and Alcohol treatment is designed,

]]>Drug and Alcohol rehabs are designed to enslave you in perpetual treatment. Even the common mantra stated at every 12 step meeting worldwide – “Keep coming back!” is enough to give you cold shivers. Drug and Alcohol treatment is designed, not to get people sober, but rather, to break down the spirit of self efficacy to the point where perpetual rehab stays becomes the norm. To break free of this cult like tactic used by the alcohol and drug treatment industry, individuals with substance use issues must work with two basic ideas.

First, is there an alternative to the typical control model treatment. The answer is yes, the Freedom Model® based St. Jude Retreats. Our goal is to build your self confidence to the point where you naturally will move on in your life to a sober and successful future. You are free! The next idea that can make this goal a reality is to change your self image, to an image that is based on success and happiness rather than self defeating labels such as addict or alcoholic.

As we have stated in the St. Jude Program and in many other articles we have written through the years, our goal is to help you adapt and change according with your life circumstances. We want to empower you to grow past the counterproductive patterns of your past. Remember, changing your life is the most important of all the amends you can make to those you have hurt in your past. In order to make this occur, it is crucial to have a clear idea of the future person you want to become.

Your new self-image may be that of a person who is kind and handles situations productively. You will learn to be patient, stable, loving, forgiving and productive. However, if your self-image remains as it has been, you will probably remain unproductive. There has to be a starting point for your new existence. You must begin to dream and change. Imagine the person you want to be. All the successful people around you have done this and continue to grow each day. Isn’t it time for you to join humanity on a mature level and let go of self-hatred and depression?

It will be very difficult to make transform your life, if you do not have a vision of yourself handling situations differently from the way you have in the past. Occasionally people who complete the St. Jude Program at one of our retreats, have a tendency to put the cart before the horse. It is almost impossible to transform who we are if we have not made the commitment to stop behaving in immature ways. Building trust is the only way that a person we have hurt in our past will come forward and ask for a reconciliation discussion. That is why it is necessary for you to create a new or at least a modified self-image that includes other’s feelings and needs as well as ours.

To do this you must have a clear vision of the new person you want to be. As an example, it is hard to say “I will no longer have affairs” if you do not have a self-image that is fully committed to marriage. A self-image is a personal mission statement. It states what kind of person you want to be, and how you will behave today, tomorrow and the day after that. It is what enables you to gain trust and thus have productive discussions with those you have harmed in your past. In previous articles, we have discussed maturity and our need for it if happiness and joy are to be a consistent part of our lives. We defined maturity as an individual’s ability to adapt and change according to life’s circumstances which are always in a state of flux.

Transforming your self-image is pivotal to your progression to happiness. It is a personal choice that you will handle situations in accordance with the five axioms described in detail in the St. Jude Program. One of the best examples of a naturally occurring shift in self-image is the drastic changes that occur in an average person between the ages of five and fifteen. Those changes are radical and happen quite naturally. A five year old may carry around a security blanket for comfort, sit on Mom’s lap and play with stuffed animals, while a fifteen year old plays baseball, has a part time job, plays video games and hangs out with friends at the skate board park.

Between the ages of 5 and 15 a child matures and changes quite naturally. But as a child grows older changing requires more and more input in the form of conscious choices. Around age twenty, maturation occurs through willingness to change and hard work. It is not by natural processes like the changes of early life.

Why should progressing through adulthood be any different? Do 40 or 70 year olds handle problems the same way 15 year olds, 20 year olds or even 30 year olds do? Many unhappy adults are shocked by the maturity stagnation that is revealed in their autobiography as demonstrated in the St. Jude Program. They finally see just how their unwillingness to live a purpose-based existence has diminished their quality of life. To stop this pattern, they have to decide who they want to be in the future and how they will accomplish this personal conversion. The question then becomes: who is the person you want to be?

For more information on the Five Axioms, or any of the terms or process mentioned in this article, I can be contacted at 1-888-424-2626. Ask for Mark Scheeren.